Temp Guage Always LOW

[RammaR]

I bought a '96 XLT 4x4 last winter and started noticing that the temperature gauge was always hanging around the very bottom of the scale. Even after 5-hour drives it might only creap up to 1/2 "normal" point. I thought it was just due to the winter weather, but even this summer in 90 to 100 degree weather I've never seen it in the middle of the guage. It runs fine, but I don't want to run the risk of overheating if the guage or something else it screwed up.

Any ideas? Has anyone else had this problem? I guess it could be that someone put in a different thermostat, but everything appears to be completely stock and in good shape. The other think I found mentioned in one website is that it could be something called a "temperature sender". I guess this thing reports the temp to the computer, but it didn't say anything about how to replace it.

Oh, any chance it might be affecting gas milage if the computer always thinks its running cold?

Thanks in advance,

 

[jimbo74]

it is normal.... mine normally doesnt hit the anywhere in the normal section...it stays around the c in cold... unless it is 90 degrees and i have the a/c on is stop and go traffic then i get to the halfway point..... i went to h before but that was when i unknowingly didnt have a fan belt....

 

[kps36]

Actually I think we ALL have had, or do have, this problem. I solved mine by switching out the Thermostat (195) and the Temp sending sensor (the one to the PCM). If you still have a low reading, there is another sensor just for the gauge. They are both fairly easy to get to and switch out and not alot of $$. I did not have to change out the Gauge sensor, but I would not have anyway, since I knew the PCM was getting the proper info anyhow, and that is the key.

 

[espnfreak]

mine usually stays below the halfway point on my 96. it takes awhile to move on a cold start

 

[Stephen S]

I've noticed that mine always stays really low on the guage too. The only time it ever got up to the middle of the guage was when I was driving on a road full of steep inclines.

 

[Positive Vibes]

Mine usually hangs out right on the "N". I have been wondering if something is funky? I

 

[rydinhigh]

I have the same prob. on my X. I bought the 180* thermostat and still no change. I would rather have it running cold all the time then hott so i guess I should be happy.

 

[RammaR]

Sounds like this really isn't a "serious" problem then if everyone else has it and just lives with it too.

Thanks for the the input!